I first encountered this in 2006 when I stayed with the Marah and our friend, now passed, would love to sit and greet the neighbors and invite them to sit. Sometimes there was a conversation or a story of a time past, Maybe there was a presentation of a need, maybe the quietly served bowl of rice that Karanke knew was needed by the visitor. Maybe it was advice or some small money for school fees. Sometimes Karanke sat with his little radio listening to BBC world news until it was dark or the signal faded.
I still love that about this country. Yesterday evening this happened three times. First two old men from the home below came up and everyone was greeted and welcomed. All asked how family was doing, how the work was and how was their health. Then talk turned to the mud block we had made and our plans for making an oven. Good advice was traded and encouragement given and then they left.
Next came a young man who I have gotten to know. Abdul applied for a computer teaching job at the school and he did not get it. He was very disappointed. We had talked earlier and now he came with a bag of oranges. Soon we were talking about his first few steps in faith. His parents are Muslim and he has attended a Catholic church a number of times but he is curious about Christian faith the talk turned easily to that. He is talented boy who has had some big disappointments and challenges. I tried to encourage him to say his faithfulness would be rewarded.